At Northwest Family Law, we guide Washington clients through the full scope of challenges that come with divorce, including child custody, parenting plans, spousal support, and the division of high-value assets.
If you’re filing in King County, Spokane, Thurston, or a smaller jurisdiction, we build legal strategies that reflect your circumstances and protect what matters most.
In areas like the Puget Sound corridor, we frequently see disputes involving restricted stock units, startup equity, or real estate portfolios, all tied to the region’s robust tech, biotech, and healthcare sectors.
With deep experience in these industries and how they intersect with divorce law, we offer more than representation, we provide clarity, structure, and long-term peace of mind.
If you’re looking for a legal partner who will tailor your divorce plan to your life, not fit you into a mold, we’re here to help.
Divorce in Washington: No-Fault & Community Property
Washington is a no-fault state, meaning you don’t need to prove misconduct to file for divorce, just that the marriage is irretrievably broken.
It also follows a community property model, where most assets acquired during the marriage are considered jointly owned. But that doesn’t mean everything is split 50/50. Courts divide property based on what’s fair, not necessarily equal, factoring in things like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s financial situation, and future needs.
Disputes often arise over stock options, business interests, and homes acquired together, especially in high-income areas. At Northwest Family Law, we help clarify what counts as marital vs. separate property, and work to protect what’s yours with a strategy grounded in Washington law.
Our Divorce Services in Bellevue
We offer full-scope divorce law representation for Bellevue clients, including:
- Contested divorce
- Uncontested divorce
- Collaborative divorce
- Mediation services
- LGBTQ+ divorce
- High net worth divorce
- Military divorce
- Legal separation
- Property and asset division
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support
- Spousal support/alimony
- Post-decree modifications
- Domestic violence protection order
Why Clients Across Washington Choose Us
- We’re responsive. You won’t wait days for updates, we stay in close communication.
- We think ahead. We identify legal risks and opportunities early, not after things go sideways.
- We focus on real outcomes. Not just what looks good on paper, but what works in your real life.
- We’re experienced with high-income, high-conflict cases. Tech, healthcare, and business compensation structures are our wheelhouse.
How and Where Divorce Gets Filed in Washington State
In Washington, all divorces are filed through the Superior Court in the county where either spouse lives. That could mean King County, Spokane County, Thurston, or any of the state’s 39 counties, each with its own courthouse and clerk’s procedures.
The basic steps include:
- Filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Serving your spouse
- Waiting for the 90-day mandatory period before finalization (even if uncontested)
In counties like King or Pierce, many filings and hearings can now be handled remotely. Other counties may still require in-person steps. Either way, having a legal team familiar with court-specific processes, from e-filing systems to judge preferences, can save time, reduce delays, and prevent costly mistakes.
At Northwest Family Law, we help clients across Washington maneuver this process clearly and efficiently, if you’re in a dense metro area or a smaller county court system.
Divorce Trends in Washington
Divorce in Washington has remained relatively stable in recent years. But beneath that statistic are real stories, families adjusting to new parenting routines, professionals dividing complicated assets, and individuals rebuilding their futures.
We’ve found that certain patterns repeat across the state:
- Urban counties like King, Pierce, and Snohomish tend to see higher rates of contested divorces involving stock compensation, multiple properties, and complex parenting plans.
- In rural counties, cases may move faster, but often require extra planning for jurisdiction, support enforcement, or relocation logistics.
- Across the board, families with children face the longest timelines, especially when co-parenting agreements break down or require court intervention.
If you’re divorcing after a short marriage or untangling decades of financial and parenting ties, our team understands the statewide trends and how to tailor your legal strategy accordingly.
Post-Decree Modifications
Divorce orders aren’t set in stone. As your life evolves, your court agreements may need to as well. In Washington, it’s possible to request a modification of parenting plans, child support, or spousal maintenance, as long as there has been a significant change in circumstances.
Common reasons for modification include:
- One parent relocating or changing jobs
- A substantial change in income
- A child’s needs shift due to age, health, or schooling
- One parent is not complying with the original order
At Northwest Family Law, we help clients modify their agreements thoughtfully, either through negotiation or by petitioning the court. If you’re seeking more time with your children or adjusting to a new financial situation, we’ll help you pursue changes that reflect your current reality.
Our Divorce Process in Washington
- Listen First, We start with your story and goals.
- Build a Strategy, one that protects your priorities and avoids unnecessary conflict.
- Communicate clearly, so you’re never guessing what’s next.
- Adapt With You, As life shifts, so does our approach.
- Stay by Your Side, Whether in mediation or in court, we show up prepared.
Ready to Talk With Our Divorce Lawyers?
If you’re considering divorce, or already in the middle of it, you don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to answer your questions, clarify your options, and fight for the future you deserve.
Call us or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. We’ll help you take the first step, with clarity, care, and confidence.